Abstract: Rope chain link elements and a manufacturing process to make such link elements, each link element exhibiting a unique visual property, such as coloration, surface texture, reflectivity, design feature or characteristic, shape, or other visually attractive appearance. Methods of construction include surface pre-texturing, stamping, simultaneous surface texturing and stamping, and wire bending. Such unique visual property traits for the succession of link elements results in a more attractive, fanciful, more delicate and interesting fashion item. Each of the interconnected link elements may have the same or different visual properties, and may have multiple portions of varying color, texture, or other visual properties. In other aspects of the invention, each link element may have differently shaped portions, such as adjoining and connecting geometric or heart shaped segments. Additionally, the interior and/or exterior edges of the link element may exhibit different shapes, colors, patterns, or textures.

Abstract: A joint assembly for limiting an extension of the joint in the direction of a load path derived from an impact comprising a first member having a portion and a second member having a portion, the portions overlapping one another and arranged generally parallel to one another and secured together via securing means disposed through corresponding holes defined therein. One of the overlapping portions further defines, sequentially in the direction of extension, a shear neck, a pocket and a catcher portion. In the event of a worst-case impact load the securing means shears through the shear neck and the pocket and is arrested by the catcher portion, thereby the extension of the joint assembly is limited and the joint assembly remains integral.

Abstract: In a first assembly step a coolant liner is formed having an outside surface. A plurality of coolant channels are formed on the outside surface. At least two inner conformal throat support sections and at least two outer conformal throat support sections are formed. The two inner conformal throat support sections are formed around the outside surface of the coolant liner to form a closed inner conformal throat outside surface. The inner conformal throat support sections are joined at inner throat seam lines. At least two outer conformal throat support sections are assembled around the closed inner conformal throat outside surface so as to cover the inner throat seam lines, to form a liner throat support assembly. An inlet manifold and an outlet manifold are assembled around the liner throat support assembly to form a hot isostatic press (HIP) assembly. A HIP'ed assembly is formed by HIP'ing the HIP assembly.

Abstract: A more accurate method for determining a NOx storage efficiency of an exhaust gas aftertreatment device is presented. The method teaches determining NOx storage efficiency as a function of available LNT NOx storage capacity, which is calculated based on a ratio of an instantaneous value of an amount of NOx stored in the device and total device storage capacity at present operating conditions. Using this method prevents overfilling of the device and inefficient purging, thus improving emission control and fuel economy.

Abstract: In an emission control apparatus of an internal combustion engine in which an emission control catalyst is disposed in an engine exhaust passage, if fuel cut is performed during a decelerating operation of the engine when the temperature of the emission control catalyst is to be quickly reduced by a secondary air supply device supplying fresh air to the emission control catalyst during the decelerating operation of the engine, the supply of fresh air from the secondary air supply device to the emission control catalyst is started after a fuel cut executing condition is met but before the fuel cut is actually executed. Therefore, the temperature of the catalyst is reduced before the exhaust air-fuel ratio shifts to the lean side due to execution of the fuel cut. Thus, exposure of the catalyst to a deteriorating condition of high temperature and lean air-fuel ratio is prevented.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling a vehicle so as to purify an exhaust emission from an internal combustion engine with an exhaust-emission purifying catalyst disposed in an exhaust system of the engine, and such that the engine is brought into a temporary engine-stop state while a predetermined vehicle condition is satisfied, wherein the engine is operated for heating the catalyst, when a temperature of the catalyst has been lowered below a predetermined lower limit threshold, even while the predetermined vehicle condition is still satisfied. The catalyst maintains an exhaust-emission purifying ability at a temperature above the lower limit threshold. When the catalyst temperature has been raised to a predetermined upper limit threshold, as a result of the engine operation, the engine is restored to the temporary engine-stop state if the predetermined condition is still satisfied.

Abstract: The invention relates to the starting of an internal combustion engine. The engine is coupled to an exhaust aftertreatment device that has a minimal threshold temperature for proper operation. Within a certain period of time after engine start, the load on an electrical generator driven by the engine is increased. Also, the air intake is throttled to reduce the intake manifold pressure to a target pressure. Both measures provide faster engine and catalyst warm-up and, thus, reduced emissions, particularly for a diesel engine in connection with an oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: The recycling timing schedule for a diesel particulate filter (DPF) can be easily and accurately determined. There is a differential pressure sensor that detects differential pressure &Dgr;P in the DPF, and an airflow meter that detects the flow velocity v in an exhaust path. An ECU calculates the quantity of deposited fine exhaust particles ML according to: ML=[&Dgr;P−(A&mgr;v+C&rgr;v2)]/(B&mgr;v+D&rgr;v2) Recycling of the filter is determined according to a determination formula used to compare the calculated deposited quantity ML to a reference quantity. In this way, the deposited quantity can be accurately obtained without using a map.

Abstract: An engine control system (22) of a diesel engine (20) that powers a motor vehicle processes data in execution of a strategy (FIG. 4) to provide control of both timing and duration of forced regeneration of a diesel particulate filter (42). The overall strategy is a hybrid of model-based and closed-loop control strategies. Redundant elements of the strategy (FIG. 6) determine when forced regeneration is called for. Forced regeneration is initiated by retarding the timing of the start of main fuel injection (100). Fueling is then adjusted (98) both to enhance catalytic action and to make the process transparent to a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A first heat-resistant filter medium is disposed in an exhaust pathway of an internal combustion engine. The first heat-resistant filter medium traps hydrocarbon compounds and carbon-containing particulates included in a flow of exhaust gas in a dispersive manner to bring the respective particulates and hydrocarbon compounds in contact with oxygen included in the exhaust gas. The trapped hydrocarbon compounds and the trapped carbon-containing particulates are subjected to combustion with the exhaust gas having a filter inflow temperature lower than a combustible temperature of the carbon-containing particulates. A second heat-resistant filter medium is further disposed downstream of the first heat-resistant filter medium to trap the remaining carbon-containing particulates, which have not been trapped by the first heat-resistant filter medium but have passed through the first heat-resistant filter medium. This arrangement desirably enhances the reduction rate of the particulates.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder diesel engine provides split mode operation in which one or more cylinders function as air pumps. Compressed air supplied by the cylinders is amplified and stored to a high pressure air tank from which it may be used to run air brakes or other systems. Improved energy density is achieved over prior art vehicle air systems and an auxiliary air compressor is eliminated.

Abstract: An internal-combustion engine for generating a rotational movement is provided to drive a compressor unit which is connected on the output side, for generating compressed air from ambient air. A control unit triggers the generating of compressed air when compressed air is demanded. An auxiliary compressor unit covers peak demands for compressed air and is fluidically connected in parallel with respect to the internal-combustion-engine-driven compressor unit. The auxiliary compressor unit is driven by an electric motor. The control unit starts the operation of the auxiliary compressor unit in the event of a detected peak demand.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device to generate mechanical work with a steam engine that works with a closed circuit and that has a feed water tank, a feed pump, an evaporator to generate steam, the steam engine, and a condenser. The invention is based on the problem of keeping a device of the initially cited kind free of damage from freezing water when the device is not operating and the environmental temperatures are low. To this end, an inert gas in the feed water tank (10) is used to expel the feed water from the other part (36) of the circuit to the feed water tank (10). This is done by switching a valve arrangement. The feed water tank (10) is designed so that it will not be damaged, for example by exploding from freezing water inside. The advantages of the closed circuit are retained. To restart the device, the system is reheated, and the valve arrangement only has to be switched back to the position suitable for normal operation.

Abstract: A new system and method for extracting useful work from geothermal streams is disclosed. The systems and methods of this invention can achieve an estimated 20 to 30% improvement in output efficiency. The increased efficiency is derived from a secondary energy conversion step involving a low pressure vapor stream of variable composition and a low pressure turbine, which expands the vapor stream to produce the improved efficiency.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine (10) includes a catalytic oxidation module (28). The catalytic oxidation module includes a pressure boundary element (30); a catalytic surface (32); and an opening (34) in the pressure boundary element to allow premixing of the fluids before the fluids enter a downstream plenum. In an embodiment, the pressure boundary element includes a catalyst-coated tube (58) having holes (68) formed therein to allow mixing across the tube. In another embodiment, the pressure boundary element includes a tubesheet (44) having a first fluid passageway intersecting a second fluid passageway to premix the fluids upstream of the outlet end of the tubesheet. In yet another embodiment, the catalytic oxidation module includes an upstream tubesheet (86) for mounting a tube inlet end (73) and a downstream tubesheet (78) for mounting a tube outlet end (72) so that the tube is slidably contained there between.

Abstract: Disclosed is a burner apparatus comprising an inner tube defining a second channel and an outer tube defining a first channel surrounding the inner tube, air supplying means for supplying air to the first channel and the second channel, and gas supplying means for supplying fuel gas to the first channel and the second channel, either the first channel or the second channel being used as a main combustion channel and the other being used as a pilot combustion channel, the main combustion channel and the pilot combustion channel receiving the supply of fuel gas for combusting it. A first supply opening supplies the fuel gas into the main combustion channel. The first supply opening is disposed in the main combustion channel with an orientation for discharging the fuel gas toward a more upstream side of the flow direction of the fuel gas than the direction normal to the flow direction of the fuel gas.

Abstract: A piping guides exhaust gas of a gas turbine to a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG). The piping is provided at an outlet of the exhaust gas and is branched into two portions at a branch portion upstream of the HRSG, with one portion being connected to a high-pressure superheater provided in the HRSG and the other portion being connected to a regenerator. Exhaust gas supplied to the high-pressure superheater superheats saturated steam generated by a high-pressure evaporator in the HRSG. Exhaust gas supplied to the regenerator is heat-exchanged with combustion air generated by a compressor in the gas turbine. The exhaust gas having been heat-exchanged is supplied to between the high-pressure superheater and the high-pressure evaporator via another piping extending between the regenerator and the HRSG.

Abstract: A system for starting an APU, including an air control valve assembly located in the air flow passageway extending between a source of pressurized air and a turbine power modulator. The system further includes a fuel control valve assembly located in the fuel flow passageway extending between a source of jet fuel and the turbine power modulator. Upon energizing the air control and fuel control valves, a mixture of compressed air and jet fuel entering the turbine power module is ignited, creating a flow steam of hot gases for driving a gas turbine to power the APU.

Abstract: A gas-flow heat exchanger comprising a set of parallel, spaced, heat-conductive areas providing between them a stack of pockets each containing parallel baffles which define a platen of passageways guiding the gas-flow path through the pocket between inlet and outlet openings. The openings being arranged in four parallel lines at the sides of the stack, two of the lines respectively containing the inlet and outlet openings associated with the gas flow paths of alternative pockets. The remaining two lines respectively containing the inlet and outlet openings associated with the remaining pockets. Each pocket containing a removable frame formed with the openings provided at the ends of the gas flow path through it and supporting within the frame the parallel baffles which divide the gas-flow path into the platen of passageways. All of the passageways provide a substantially equal dwell time to gas passing therethrough.

Abstract: Offshore facilities and methods are provided to enable the mooring of a ship carrying a liquefied gas to an offshore structure with one or more decks upon which are located (i) regasification facilities; (ii) single point mooring means for mooring a ship that is carrying a liquefied gas; (iii) means for offloading said liquefied gas into said regasification facilities; and (iv) means for transferring gas from said regasification facilities to a gas transport pipeline.

Abstract: A self-cooling can (10) which is suitable for cooling 300 ml of beverage by 30° F. in a maximum of 3 minutes comprises an internal evaporator (30) and an absorber unit (20) which is fixed typically to the base of the can. Cooling is initiated by providing a vapour path from the evaporator (30) to a desiccant region of the absorber unit (20). Heat is removed from the vapour and/or any heat due to the reaction with the desiccant (24) by heat sink material (26) around the desiccant region (22).

Abstract: Disclosed are an air conditioner, which reduces an electric power consumption rate and rapidly copes with the requirements of a user, and a method for operating the air conditioner in a cooling mode for cooling air in a room by an independent or simultaneous operation of small-capacity and large-capacity compressors in accordance with the variation of a cooling load.

Abstract: An Internet refrigerator with a heat sink uses cold air from the Internet refrigerator itself, without a CPU cooling fan on a main board. The Internet refrigerator includes a main board with a chip set thereon and a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the main board. A heat sink plate faces a surface of the main board and absorbs heat generated from the chip set. A pipeline having both ends connected to an interior of a cooled compartment of the refrigerator is arranged to contact a lower surface of the main board at a portion thereof. Additionally, a cooling fan can be arranged in the cooled compartment of the refrigerator for introducing cold air from the cooled compartment of the refrigerator into the pipeline.

Abstract: In an ejector cycle having an ejector, a throttle is provided inside a passenger compartment adjacent to an evaporator so that a length of a refrigerant passage between the throttle and the evaporator is shortened. Therefore, it can restrict a part of liquid refrigerant after being decompressed in the throttle from being evaporated in the refrigerant passage, before being introduced into the evaporator. In addition, a refrigerant inlet is provided at a lower header tank of an evaporator. Therefore, a gas-liquid refrigerant distribution difference due to the density difference between gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant can be effectively restricted. Thus, refrigerant distributed into the plural tubes from the lower header tank can be made uniform, even if the refrigerant flow speed is low in the ejector cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus for recovering vapor during de-pressuring of a vessel, and for those facilities with such a need, for recovering vapor during the liquid filling, or liquid removing, from a vessel. In de-pressuring mode, the vapor and inert gas purging the vessel are processed to recover multiple product vapors with vapor pressures from as low as 0.1 PSIG to about 100 PSIG. Higher values up to 250 PSIG are also processed economically by an optional third-stage, stand-alone system. This system produces overall product recovery rates over 99% and inert gas recovery over 99% at the latter part of the cycle as recycle gas. The system is purged after each use to prevent cross contamination. In the liquid filling mode, displaced vapor and pad gas (inert gas added to maintain pressure in tanks during liquid removing) are processed to recover multiple products and the pad gas.

Abstract: Krypton and/or xenon is separated crudely from a mixture comprising oxygen and at least one rare gas selected from the group consisting of krypton and xenon in a process comprising feeding said mixture or a mixture derived therefrom to a rare gas recovery system and separating said mixture feed in said rare gas recovery system into rare gas-lean gaseous oxygen (“GOX”) and rare gas-enriched product. The process is characterized in that at least about 50 mol % of said mixture is fed to the rare gas recovery system in the gaseous phase provided that, when said mixture feed is separated by selective adsorption, the concentration of xenon in the mixture feed is no greater than 50 times the concentration of xenon in air. One advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that it can easily be retrofitted to existing pumped LOX cycle ASUs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming an optical blank. The method includes providing a green body that has a non-porous exterior portion and a porous interior portion. The interior portion is evacuated to create a vacuum in the interior portion. The green body is then pressed using a hot isostatic pressing technique to densify the green body into a solid glass optical blank. This method produces homogeneous optical blanks having substantially no striae. The method also produces dense, inclusion free glass. As a result, scattering is substantially reduced when EUV light is reflected from a component produced from optical blank employing the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for heating up and shaping a preform consisting of glass or glass ceramic. According to the invention, a preform, formed using conventional methods, is heated to a temperature that is below the adhesion temperature of the gas, i.e. to below critical viscosity; in a second heating phase the preform is put into a hovering state through the supply of levitation gas; in the hovering state the preform is heated by a microwave heating apparatus to a temperature that permits its shaping; and the preform is delivered to a shaping station.

Abstract: A method for forming a magnetic disk comprises the following steps. First, an inner and outer cut is provided in a work piece. The waste piece thus comprises an outer waste piece, an inner waste piece, and a region between the inner and outer waste pieces that is to be used as a substrate for manufacturing a magnetic disk. The outer waste piece is separated from the substrate by applying a hot plate against the outer waste piece, thereby causing it to thermally expand and separate from the substrate. The substrate is then placed over (but not in contact with) a hot plate, while a cooling element is placed on the inner waste piece. This causes the substrate to thermally expand while the inner waste piece thermally contracts. Thus, a gap forms between the substrate and inner waste piece, thereby permitting the separation of the inner waste piece from the substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing optical fiber with enhanced photosensitivity comprising the step of: forming a molten layer of glass and drawing a fiber from the molten layer of glass at a temperature of between about 1900° C. and 1995° C. Draw tension can be adjusted to attain the desired draw speed.

Abstract: A method for making a textile web with a base web and at least one tubular knitting region (21, 21′, 23, 23′) extending transversely to a knitting direction on a straight and circular knitter with at least two opposite needle beds includes making the tubular region(s) (21, 21′, 23, 23′) on a needle bed, whereby from a starting knitting row (15, 15′), a part of the needles (B, F, J, N, d, n, 1) respectively hold the knitting of the base web without knitting and with the other needles, knitting rows for making the tubular region according to the desired length are formed, before knitting is formed again in an ending knitting row (16, 16′) of the tubular region with the needles (B, F, J, N, d, h, 1) holding the knitting of the base web. The free end of the tubular region is connected with the base web.

Abstract: A device for spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning composition, said device comprising at least one absorbent means for absorbing at least some of said composition from the fabric wherein the ratio of the working surface and the thickness or height of the absorbent means is preferably lower than 3000 mm. In a method of use, the liquid cleaning composition is applied to the fabric and some of the composition so applied is absorbed into the absorbent means.

Abstract: A locking device for inhibiting the movement of control arm of a machine relative to a second arm having a tubular main shaft body connected to a first hook base plate, a telescopic shaft body with a diameter adapted to be inserted into the main shaft body and connected to a second hook base plate, a pair of hooks connected to each of the first and second base plates at the ends of the plates and oriented substantially parallel to the shaft bodies and further oriented such that each member of the hook pair opposes the other member by substantially one hundred and eighty degrees. Various applications for the device are disclosed, as well as method for securing an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with the device.

Abstract: A trailer lock comprises a rocket bolt, a lock body, and a chain couple. The inner side of the fixed end in the rocket bolt and one of the lock bodies individually has a mounting segment for matching a chain couple with a two-end mounting part and its connection. By the winch design of the chain, it can winch the carrying goods such as bicycle of the supporting base in the end of the car for achieving anti-theft purpose on carrying goods.

Abstract: An accessory locking device for use in combination with a steel cable lock. The locking device is formed from a steel plate having an aperture and an L-shaped slot depending therefrom, the aperture is sized to receive the steel cable lock. The locking device further includes a flexible attachment cable having one end permanently attached to the steel plate and a distal end having an end fitting swaged thereto. The end fitting may be sized for insertion through the aperture and the flexible cable is sized for placement within the L-shaped slot of the steel plate. In operation, the distal end of the flexible attachment cable is wrapped around a diving accessory, such as a scuba tank, and the flexible cable is transversed into the L-shaped slot leaving the aperture available for the flexible steel cable lock to secure the locking plate, and the diving accessory, to a fixed object to prevent theft.

Abstract: A weapon container and lock assembly for mounting in a vehicle, for example, an aircraft, that may be subject to a positive accelerated gravity environment. The weapon container has a container body defining an interior cavity therein and a top lid that is selectively moved between an open position and a closed position with respect to the container body by a container opening assembly. A lock assembly is provided for movement between a first, locked, position and a second, unlocked, position upon application of an accelerated gravity condition of a predetermined level. In use, the lock assembly prevents movement of the container opening assembly when the lock assembly is in the first position and allows movement of the container opening assembly when the lock assembly is in the second position.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for measuring mercury present in a hydrocarbon, wherein a gas (G) such as an air containing no mercury is allowed to flow through a column filled with an adsorbent material effective to adsorb mercury, and a hydrocarbon sample to be measured is injected into the column to allow the mercury contained therein to be adsorbed by the adsorbent material while removing a volatile component other than mercury therefrom, and measuring the amount of mercury using mercury measuring instrument.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an aerosol including a plurality of particles is provided. Each of the particles has a size. The system includes an impactor assembly to receive the aerosol at a first flow rate and remove an exhaust portion of the particles that are less than a minimum particle size or greater than a maximum particle size. A remaining portion of the particles is emitted at a second flow rate lower than the first flow rate. A first sensor measures a characteristic of the remaining portion of the particles.

Abstract: A process for testing an impregnated insert of a Hollow Cathode Assembly (HCA) subsequent to every exposure of the HCA to air, and prior to ignition, using a heater and an oil-free assembly having a base pressure of less than 5.0×10−6 torr. The process comprises the steps of: installing the HCA in a vacuum; energizing the heater to a particular current level; de-energizing the heater after one-half hour; again energizing the heater to a particular current level; and de-energizing the heater for at least one-half hour.

Abstract: An abnormality detecting device for an evaporative fuel processing system is disclosed. The evaporative fuel processing system includes a fuel tank, a canister for trapping evaporative fuel generated in the fuel tank, a charging passage for connecting the fuel tank and the canister, a tank pressure regulating valve provided in the charging passage, a bypass passage bypassing the tank pressure regulating valve, a bypass valve provided in the bypass passage, and a pressure sensor provided in the fuel tank or in the charging passage at a position between the tank pressure regulating valve and the fuel tank. The pressure in the canister is reduced to a pressure which is lower than the atmospheric pressure in the condition where a valve closing command signal for the bypass valve is output.

Abstract: A test method for foamed cement does not transfer the test composition under pressure from one device to another and the equipment is not handled under dangerous pressure, thereby providing a safe test method. Steps include: rotating a paddle at a first speed in a pressurized foamable cement composition in a receptacle in a high pressure, high temperature chamber such that the foamable cement composition becomes a foamed cement; rotating the paddle at a second speed in the pressurized foamed cement for a selected time period; maintaining the foamed cement static after the selected time period and increasing temperature in the chamber during a foamed cement setting period; thereafter reducing temperature in the chamber and reducing pressure in the chamber; removing the foamed cement in a set condition and the paddle from the chamber; removing the set foamed cement from the paddle; and testing the removed foamed cement.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process are provided for determining a temperature at a predetermined location in an internal combustion engine. The temperature at a bridge between two exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine can be measured only with great effort during operation. It is proposed to measure a temperature at a location in the internal combustion engine that is easier to access and to determine the bridge temperature with the aid of a computation model on the basis of the engine rpm, the quantity of injected fuel, the temperature of the charge air, and the coolant temperature.

Abstract: For use in a tire pressure monitoring system, an initiator generator includes an oscillator/divider configured to generate an output signal in response to a switched, regulated voltage. The output signal has a fundamental frequency and a gating frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the condition of a tire mounted to a vehicle wheel includes a sensor configured for installation within the interior of the tire. The sensor is secured to a wheel rim whereby prolonged exposure to liquid tire fill material is avoided, even when the wheel is oriented with the sensor at a lower-most location of the wheel rim. In one embodiment, the sensor is secured to the wheel rim by straps which extend around a circumferential surface of the rim and engage a base coupled to the sensor.

Abstract: A system for checking at least one status parameter of a tire for a motor vehicle includes at least one wheel, including a tire mounted on a rim, an inner tube inserted into a cavity defined between the tire and the rim, a first device for measuring the at least one status parameter associated with the at least one wheel, a second device for transmitting a signal indicating a value measured by the first device, a third device for receiving the signal, and a fourth device for sensing movement of the at least one wheel and for enabling energization of the second device when the at least one wheel is moving, wherein the first, second, and fourth devices are housed in a container inserted into a wall of the inner tube in a radially-inner position of the inner tube respect to the at least one wheel.

Abstract: A system that performs content analysis on comestible products using volumetric determination with a single-chamber technique in a mass production environment. The content value determination system includes a conveyor system, a system for weighing the comestible products interposed along the path of the conveyor, a volumetric determination station that consists of a plurality of receiving chambers, and a control module. In this embodiment, each receiving chamber is equipped with a pressure sensor and a mechanical system for modifying the volume of the chamber. In addition, both the pressure sensors and the volume modification system of each receiving chamber are operably connected to the control module.

Abstract: A dedicated liquid level detection method having a sensor positioned into the casing of a groundwater well. The detector is in the form of an elongated thin film sensor tape that extends along the fill length of the well casing which detects the level, thickness and volume of both groundwater and any light or dense non-aqueous phase liquid that may be present. This is accomplished through the use of a conductive and hydrostatic resistive circuit measuring the level of liquids in a groundwater well at one hundredths of foot resolution or greater. Once the elongated sensor is installed, liquid levels can be gauged from the surface. The data is stored using a battery operated hand held digital display temporarily connected at the top well section casing. Since a sensor probe is not lowered into the well, cross contamination between wells is eliminated.

Abstract: A loading probe includes an elongated solid first body portion (1) shaped from a first material and capable of simulating the normal acoustic impedance presented to a transducer to be tested by a medium in which the transducer is to operate and a second elongated solid body portion (2) made from an acoustically absorbent material having acoustic impedance characteristics substantially matched with those of the first material from which the first body portion (1) is made. The material from which the second body portion (2) is made is chosen so as to be mouldable to the first body portion (1) to form the second body portion (2).

Abstract: A gas velocity and temperature sensor system comprising a first thermistor driven at a constant temperature and configured to output a flow signal representative of the power dissipated as a function of the gas velocity and a temperature signal representative of the temperature of the first thermistor, a second thermistor configured to output a gas temperature signal representative of the gas temperature proximate the second thermistor, and a processor responsive to the flow signal and the temperature signals, the processor configured to calculate gas velocity using an empirically derived equation in which gas flow velocity is function of a constant and the ratio of the power dissipated to the temperature difference between the temperature of the first thermistor and the gas temperature proximate the second thermistor, the processor deriving a signal representing the gas velocity.

Abstract: A volumetric liquid metering device has a meter chamber for receiving up to a predetermined volume of liquid, an inlet conduit for directing liquid into the meter chamber, a volumetric meter to indicate when the predetermined volume has entered, and a discharge conduit operable in response to a signal from the volumetric meter. The device can have a pair of coupled meter chambers, one b being filled as the other discharges. Valves control ingress and egress of liquid from the meter chambers, and alternate between chambers in response to a signal from the volumetric meter.